This may deserve sub-forum of it's own, but among the "pipe dreams" I've had of late, is the application of 21st century micro-circuitry technology to basic weapons systems. In this case one for basic infantry application in form of a multiple use/weapon device, shoulder to base fire capable.

Imagine a tubular launcher that is about three foot(1 meter) in length, about 3-6" in diameter. I favor the 6"/152mm diameter(I.D.) size. This has a couple/few projectile lock and load placements along its length and a plug-in module optic/targeting system module that can quickly adjust to target type/usage. The device can range from "grenade launcher" mode to targeted~controlled anti-air/anti-armor-vehicle mode to "basic" mortar mode and a few other uses ...

We start with the basic tube launcher(about 3 foot/1 meter long and about 6"/152mm I.D.) that has a shoulder pad/rest at the back end, a couple of mid to forward grips/triggers, and a place about mid-length for the ~sighting/target-acquisition point module (STAM). The calcs, etc. of the STAM can be modified by use of pre-programmed USB plug-in 'flashdrives' focused on the anti-air, or anti-armor, or what-ever application.

The "grenade-launcher" mode is for use in low-intensity combat environments where a pre-made round that seats/locks-n-loads about 6" to 12" inside the front end is ready to fire as a pop grenade device, mostly user skill based for target impact.

The man-portable (Device)Launcher mode ~ MAN-PAD ~ form for anti-air and anti-armor use depends upon a basic propellant module (rocket base) with a "screw-in/spin-in" warhead. These attachable warheads can vary in ability and target application, which is what STAM and appropriate Target FlashDrive, with or without Specific Optics/Targeting Scope, can focus upon. For example, the PMWLS with a Basic Dual Purpose Targeting Scope and a Standard STAM, with an anti-air warhead, screwed into the basic propellant module, would still be an effective anti-air man-portable weapon ("Stinger") in most cases, as well as an anti-armor(tank) weapon.

So, using a Basic rocket/missile travel module and adjusted weapon warheads(attached), the PMWLS could serve the basic needs of a shoulder launch anti-Aircraft or anti-Armor Infantry weapon. Just a matter of screw-in warhead types and targeting matrix flash-drives into the STAM to optimize the system.

In a more "laid-back" mode, the PMWLS could be joined to a base-plate/seal device and a tripod with STAM targeting attitude/direction/etc. system that would allow the PMWLS to provide basic to targeted mortar functions.

For example; an Infantry Platoon on counter-insurgent deep-field operations decides to dig-in for the night. They set-up their platoon perimeter with some medium level of dug-in positions and set their PMWLS on mortar-remote mode. The perimeter guards/look-outs, via their Basic Combatants Communications Control Command Weapons Application Matrix = BC-CCC-WAM (phonetic BaCk-Com-WhAM) System in their combat Helmets would be able to designate targets and assign fire missions of the Platoon's PMWLS weapons crews towards suspect perimeter targets. These might be anything from flare/illumination fires to High Explosives(HE) to Frag/Flachette fire calls.

Prior to night-time lager, the platoon may have used the "pop-up drone recce" warhead modules to launch 2-4 "drones" to do perimeter survey before "hunker-down for night" mode. Drones return to platoon base for re-fold and potential reload, after re-charge, come the next dawn and day's usage.

All this is done via a "wifi" grid with pre-programmed missions and munitions loads/rounds as an SOP.

So have I explained the PMWLS concept well enough for further discussion, ideas, kick-around ???

There are some other 21st century infantry weapons/combat systems I'd like to toss out for further consideration ...

__________________Whiskey for my men, and beer for my horses.TANSTAAFL = There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free LunchBock's First Law of History: The Past shapes the Present, which forms the Future. *

Question here is ... as we enter the 21st century, does infantry need dedicated weapons systems or is there a slot for a multi-use weapons system that could fill multiple needs/applications while keeping the system/device and warhead load towards a minimum. ???

i.e. is there a way using higher-tech to lighten the load of the infantry squad/platoon ???

__________________Whiskey for my men, and beer for my horses.TANSTAAFL = There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free LunchBock's First Law of History: The Past shapes the Present, which forms the Future. *